§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will take steps to make it unlawful for glue to be sold to unaccompanied young persons; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will take steps to make the sniffing of glue in public places an offence; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RaisonThe creation of new offences in respect of glue sniffing would not in our view be justified. There are many substances in everyday use in most households which, although safe when used for their intended purpose, are liable to abuse; it would be inpracticable to impose restrictions on the sale, possession or use of them all. The view of the Government is that prevention is more a matter of persuasion and education which must be the primary responsibility of parents, and of those who work among young people. The Government are continuing to examine ways in which solvent sniffing might be discouraged.